McKenna concedes Washington state governor's race

Campaign manager Randy Pepple told reporters Friday night that McKenna called Democrat Jay Inslee to congratulate him. Inslee had steadily held a 51 percent advantage in the race as ballots were counted this week.

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The decision brings to end one of the most watched, most expensive gubernatorial races in the country. The two candidates and outside political groups raised and spent some $40 million in the race.

McKenna had portrayed himself as a moderate with a plan to increase funding for education. Inslee had touted his plans to spur job growth by investing in clean energy and other specific sectors.

Both candidates vowed to not raise taxes. Those policies will be put to the test in January, when lawmakers begin negotiations over how to deal with a budget shortfall and the need for more education funding.

The Californication of Wa state continues post haste. Twelve of thirteen Wa state, daily papers endorsed McKenna because Inslee, is such an obvious airhead. Inslee is owned by the public and big industrial unions, which now makes Seattle the new Detroit.

WA is a successful and wonderful state to live in with no real dire problems like California. The past 6 governors have been Democrats and the state is wonderful. We are only allowed 9% of debt to be carried over to the next year so why would you ever need a Republican here when the debt is always being paid off?

Absolutely amazing. The fools in Washington put another dem in for governor. Current disaster in office has been horrible for business, economy and general lack of leadership the last 8 years... the fools never learn.